Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

This chicken tortellini Alfredo delivers a restaurant-quality splurge without the hefty price tag or the need to change out of your sweatpants. Plump cheese tortellini swim in a silky Alfredo sauce enriched with both Parmesan and Romano, while tender cubes of pan-seared chicken add substance to every forkful. Egg yolks whisked into warm cream create a velvety smooth coating that clings to each pasta pillow. A whisper of nutmeg adds warmth without announcing itself, and the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes.

This is the meal to make when you want comfort food that feels a little fancy or when you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These plump pasta pillows provide the hearty foundation for the dish, with their creamy cheese filling complementing the rich Alfredo sauce beautifully.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein, such as boneless, skinless chicken breast, makes this pasta dish more substantial and satisfying. Chicken’s mild flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.
• Seasonings: Salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish, and black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth.
• Olive oil: This oil prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan while adding a subtle fruity note that complements the Italian-inspired flavors.
• Butter: Rich, creamy butter forms the flavorful base of the Alfredo sauce, contributing silky texture and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Heavy whipping cream: The star of any Alfredo sauce, heavy cream creates an ultra-rich, velvety coating that clings beautifully to the tortellini.
• Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty Parmesan adds complex savory depth to the sauce and provides a salty finishing touch when sprinkled on top.
• Romano cheese: This aged cheese brings a sharper, more assertive flavor than Parmesan alone, giving the sauce an authentic Italian character.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch of this warm spice adds subtle aromatic complexity that’s traditional in Alfredo sauce, though barely detectable on its own.
• Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the sauce and add richness. Separate eggs while they’re cold for the best results; freeze the egg whites and use them for meringue or other recipes.
• Parsley: Bright green parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the rich sauce and adds a colorful garnish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the tortellini and chicken

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook the chicken in oil over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F, turning once. Remove and let it stand for at least five minutes. Cut into cubes.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo sauce base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, nutmeg, and the remaining salt and pepper.

Step 3: Temper and add the egg yolks

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Stir a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly.

Editor’s Tip: You need to temper the eggs so they don’t scramble in the sauce.

Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened slightly and a thermometer reads 160°.

Step 4: Add the pasta

Drain the pasta and serve it with the Alfredo sauce, chicken and the remaining Parmesan cheese. If desired, garnish with parsley.

Editor’s Tip: You can also combine the pasta, chicken and sauce in one pan before serving.

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Variations

• Try different tortellini flavors: Swap in spinach and ricotta, mushroom or even lobster-filled tortellini for the cheese tortellini to create a new flavor combination with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Add vegetables: Toss in sauteed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or blanched broccoli florets to brighten up the dish and sneak in some extra veggies.
• Switch up the protein: Replace the chicken with cooked frozen shrimp, crispy bacon or Italian sausage for a different twist on this comforting pasta dish.
• Add fresh herbs: Fold in chopped fresh basil, thyme or oregano along with the parsley to give the dish a more herbaceous, garden-fresh flavor profile.

How to Store Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Store leftover chicken tortellini Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as it has cooled to room temperature. The cream-based sauce can separate slightly when chilled, but a quick stir when reheating will bring it back together. For the best results, store the components separately if possible—the tortellini can absorb the sauce and become mushy over time, so keeping them apart helps maintain better texture.

How long does chicken tortellini Alfredo last?

Chicken tortellini Alfredo will keep in the refrigerator for three to four days when stored in an airtight container. Because this dish contains both dairy and cooked chicken, it’s important not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours before refrigerating.

How do you reheat chicken tortellini Alfredo?

The stovetop method is best for reheating Alfredo tortellini with chicken. Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of cream, milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—use a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of liquid, cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the pasta reaches your desired temperature.

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Tips

Can you use rotisserie chicken for this pasta?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic timesaving shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred or cube the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and add it to the finished Alfredo sauce to warm through. This eliminates the need to cook and season the chicken yourself, significantly reducing your active prep time while still delivering plenty of flavorful protein.

What can you serve with chicken tortellini Alfredo?

A crisp green salad is the perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness of this creamy Alfredo tortellini with chicken. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is also a must for soaking up every last bit of that luscious Alfredo sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider adding roasted vegetables as a side dish.